Kerry: US Not Withdrawing From Afghanistan

Secretary of State John Kerry was the latest in the Obama Administration to undercut claims that a “zero option” was being seriously considered, insisting today that the US was absolutely not going to leave by the end of 2014.

“We have been very clear about that. We are not withdrawing,” Kerry insisted. He didn’t provide any specifics on how long the US intends to remain in Afghanistan, but President Obama has signed a deal to potentially stay through 2024.

Kerry’s comments echoed similar statements from the Pentagon, which insisted that they didn’t even consider leaving a real option. This is in contrast to official claims from the White House that the “zero option” is real.

Many analysts believe that the “zero option” is simply a ploy to try to coax better terms out of the Karzai government, though since Karzai’s term in office ends in early 2014, he may not be willing to budge on key issues.

Author: Jason Ditz

10 thoughts on “Kerry: US Not Withdrawing From Afghanistan”

This is no surprise based on value of the oil, gas and mineral resources our multinationals have coveted for years and expect one day to develop, and the presumed geopolitical benefit of remaining there to be able contain and do mischief to Russia, China and Iran. Old Skull and Bones Kerry who hornswoggled us years ago into thinking he really did want peace without war is merely confirming the obvious. So, expect more resistance from the Taliban while the Administration continues to operates under the illusion that it will alternatively be able to kill or buy off the Taliban leadership while our military remains in Afghanistan as an occupying force with extra territorial rights.

So, remember when we ran during the election campaign and we said don't worry, we'll be out of Afghanistan in a year or so. ….. yep, they were lying …. again.

The amazing thing is that after Obama's 2008 campaign, why on earth would anyone believe anything he said during the next campaign. And, there is of course no reason to believe Clinton or Kerry or Biden or anyone else who runs in 2016.

Remember (D) is for liar. And also, (R) is for liar too. If you want change, try something different next time.

"As we do, our troops will be coming home. Last year, we removed 10,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Another 23,000 will leave by the end of the summer. After that, reductions will continue at a steady pace, with more and more of our troops coming home. And as our coalition agreed, by the end of 2014 the Afghans will be fully responsible for the security of their country."

Is it a coincidence that poppy based pill addiction in the US has become the highest of anywhere in the world as US soldiers are stationed to guard Afghan poppy fields and restart Afghan opium production?